Historical Events tagged with "portugal"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Portugal establishes the Ditadura Nacional

May 28th, 1926 98 years ago

In 1926, a coup d'état led by military leaders overthrew the First Portuguese Republic, marking the establishment of the Ditadura Nacional. The coup was a response to widespread political instability and social unrest characterizing the period. General Gomes da Costa played a crucial role in seizing power. The coup was conducted primarily in Lisbon and had significant support from various military factions, quickly ensuring control over key government functions. The resulting regime aimed to restore order and suppress political dissent.

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Exploration & Discovery

First Aerial Crossing of the South Atlantic

June 17th, 1922 102 years ago

Portuguese naval aviators Gago Coutinho and Sacadura Cabral successfully completed the first aerial crossing of the South Atlantic from Lisbon, Portugal, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This remarkable achievement was marked by the innovative use of navigational techniques, including celestial navigation, during an era when long-distance flights were not common. Their journey began in May, and it involved overcoming numerous challenges, including adverse weather conditions and flight equipment limitations, ultimately landing on June 17, 1922, and solidifying their place in aviation history.

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Politics & Government

Portuguese Prime Minister Assassination in Coup

October 19th, 1921 103 years ago

In an orchestrated coup, Portuguese Prime Minister António Granjo and several officials were murdered by military rebels in a chaotic power struggle. The violence erupted as factions within the military sought to overthrow the established government, which they viewed as corrupt and ineffective. The coup, termed the 'Bloody Night,' took place in Lisbon, causing national unrest and upheaval. Granjo was a significant political figure, noted for his attempts to stabilize Portugal amidst its turbulent political landscape.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Portuguese President Sidónio Pais

December 14th, 1918 106 years ago

Sidónio Pais, the President of Portugal, was assassinated by political adversaries. The assassination occurred in Lisbon, where he was shot by a former army officer, leading to his death shortly after. This violent act stemmed from increasing discontent with his authoritarian regime and was indicative of the political turmoil that characterized post-war Portugal. The assassination marked a pivotal moment in Portuguese politics, leading to further instability.

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Military & Warfare

Portuguese Troops Defeated at the Battle of Lys

April 9th, 1918 107 years ago

The Portuguese Expeditionary Corps faced a devastating defeat by German forces during the Spring Offensive, specifically in the Battle of the Lys, which occurred in the region of Flanders, Belgium. This battle was part of a larger German offensive aiming to secure victory on the Western Front. The Portuguese forces were unprepared for the intensity and scale of the German assault, leading to significant casualties and retreat.

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Military & Warfare

German Victory over Portuguese Army at Negomano

November 25th, 1917 107 years ago

German forces decisively defeated a Portuguese army of about 1,200 troops at Negomano, located on the border of present-day Mozambique and Tanzania. The conflict unfolded as part of the larger struggle for control in East Africa during World War I. The Germans tactically outmaneuvered the Portuguese, leading to a significant victory that showcased their military prowess in colonial engagements.

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Religion & Philosophy

Witnessing the Miracle of the Sun in Portugal

October 13th, 1917 107 years ago

An estimated 70,000 people gathered at Cova da Iria, Portugal, to witness a miraculous event often referred to as the 'Miracle of the Sun.' Witnesses reported that the sun appeared to dance in the sky, change colors, and descend towards the earth. This phenomenon was associated with the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, reported earlier by three shepherd children. The event occurred during a time of profound religious fervor, with many viewing it as a sign from God amid World War I's turmoil.

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Religion & Philosophy

First Apparition of Our Lady of Fátima

May 13th, 1917 107 years ago

In Portugal, three children reported witnessing an apparition of the Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady of Fátima. This miraculous event took place in the Cova da Iria, where Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto, encountered the apparition of the Blessed Virgin. The children described her as radiantly beautiful and asked them to pray and offer sacrifices for the conversion of sinners, marking the beginning of a series of apparitions that would attract global attention.

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Politics & Government

The May 14 Revolt Unfolds in Lisbon

May 14th, 1915 109 years ago

In Lisbon, Portugal, various military factions rose against the government amidst political instability. This uprising was fueled by dissatisfaction with the Prime Minister, Afonso Costa, and growing public unrest. Soldiers, unhappy with pay and conditions, took to the streets demanding change. The revolt saw some violence, but ultimately was short-lived, demonstrating the fragility of the Portuguese government during this turbulent period.

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